The summer ballet intensive has been scheduled for June 23rd through the 27th. Details TBA.

For Immediate Release:Central Ballet Theatre to present Sleeping Beauty: The Awakening

Central Ballet Theatre, the ballet company who produced “Esther” for Greeneville’s community presents “Sleeping Beauty: The Awakening.” CBT’s contemporary version of the original classical ballet will be a story of a modern day Aurora facing the dilemma between right and wrong, good and evil. She dreams the enthralling story of Sleeping Beauty, taking place in the romantic era, where she is rescued from the evil Carabosse by the handsome Prince Desire’. Within the dream, dancing butterflies, devilish ghouls, and glorious angels come alive, and a fight between good and evil ensues. Aurora awakens with the resolution to her dilemma and makes her choice. This ballet’s venue is applicable to every person’s life from children to the young at heart. CBT’s “Sleeping Beauty: The Awakening” will include classical and contemporary musical scores and new choreography as well as some original Petipa.

Many local artists of Greeneville have donated their talents to create lots of new sets and costumes to enhance this beautiful ballet. Central Ballet Theatre’s head seamstresses, Jody Johnson and Anne Parker, along with a host of other volunteers have designed and fabricated a line of new costumes for this ballet. Homer Crothers has handcrafted medieval thrones and a solid wood bassinette for the production. A local professional artist, Barbara Milburn, painted the poster design.In addition to the 70 company dancers, CBT will have four professional dancers perform for “Sleeping Beauty.” Jeffrey Diehl, who performed with CBT in “Esther,” is dancing the role of Prince Desire’. Jeffrey Diehl, a native of Davenport, Iowa, received his early training from the Houston Ballet Academy and the Rock School in Pennsylvania. Jeffrey attended Northern Illinois University, where is earned a BFA in dance performance and is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. Upon graduating from NIU, he joined the Orlando Ballet under the artistic direction of Fernando Bujones. In 2003 he joined the Louisville Ballet where he is currently in his sixth season. Jeffrey had the privilege of performing at the Kennedy Center in 1998 for the ACDFA 25th Anniversary Gala.

Dante Adela, dancer at BalletNY, New York City, will dance the role of Jester. Dante studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts with Duncan Noble, Gyula Pandi, Melissa Hayden, and Frank Smith. He continued training in New York City at Steps on Broadway. Mr. Adela has danced with State Ballet of Missouri, The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, Cedar Lake Ensemble, and Brooklyn Ballet, and he appears as guest artist with several dance companies.

CBT’s artistic director and resident professional dancer, choreographer, and ballet mistress, Lori Ann Sparks, will make an appearance as the white angel. Trinity Arts Center’s artistic director of Johnson City, Tanya Rathbun, formerly a professional dancer with Joffrey Ballet, will also dance the role of the doll. Greeneville native, Parke Brumit, will be dancing the lead role of the evil Carabosse.

CBT exists to promote growth and innovation in the ballet fine arts in Greene County and its surrounding region. CBT seeks to create ballets with wholesome or biblical themes with the desire to enrich and inspire the lives of the dancers as well as the audience. Central Ballet Theatre of Greeneville has been added to Tusculum College’s 2007-2008 ACTS, Arts, Academia line up. The program is part of Tusculum College’s performance and lecture series available to the campus community as well as the general public. Lori Ann Sparks, Artistic Director for the ballet company said, “We are so honored to be a part of such a very important outreach program in Greeneville.”

CBT is a 501c3 status non-profit organization. CBT is supported by the Tennessee Arts Council, Greene County Commission and many area businesses and industries. The company holds open auditions each year. For ticket informationFor further inquiry and information please call Lori Ann Sparks at 620-2036.

For Immediate Release:

Central Ballet Theatre Invited to Join Tusculum College’s ACTS, Arts, Academia Line Up

Central Ballet Theatre of Greeneville has been added to Tusculum College’s 2007-2008 ACTS, Arts, Academia line up. The program is part of Tusculum College’s performance and lecture series available to the campus community as well as the general public. Lori Ann Sparks, Artistic Director for the ballet company said, “We are so honored to be a part of such a very important outreach program in Greeneville.” CBT exists to promote growth and innovation in the ballet fine arts in Greene County and its surrounding region. CBT seeks to create ballets with wholesome or biblical themes with the desire to enrich and inspire the lives of the dancers as well as the audience.

CBT is a non-profit organization supported by the Tennessee Arts Council, Greene County Commission and many area businesses and industries. The company holds open auditions each year. This year’s auditions for CBT’s January 25-27, 2008, performance of “Sleeping Beauty” are slated for August 25th at the Central Ballet Theatre studio located at 120 West Summer Street across from the XTN office. There will be a mandatory meeting of parents and dancers at 10:00 am, followed by a sign-up time for 3-6 year olds. A combined audition class for all other ages will be from 12:30-2:00 pm. Men and boys with an interest in theatre performance or production are encouraged to attend the audition.

Lori Ann Sparks said, “CBT’s contemporary version of the original classical ballet, will be a story of a modern day Aurora facing the dilemma between right and wrong, good and evil. She dreams the enthralling story of Sleeping Beauty, taking place in the romantic era, where she is rescued from the evil Carabosse by the handsome Prince Desire’. Within the dream, dancing butterflies, devilish ghouls, and glorious angels come alive, and a fight between good and evil ensues. Aurora awakens with the decision to her dilemma and makes her choice. CBT’s “Sleeping Beauty” will include classical and contemporary musical scores, new choreography as well as some original Petipa, and lots of new sets and costumes.” Parke Brumit, CBT’s Board of Director’s President said “We want this to truly be a community production and there will be parts for dancers of all ages as well as a need for costuming, sets and backstage help.”CBT is a 501c3 status non-profit organization. For further inquiry and information please call Lori Ann Sparks at 620-2036.